Mesut Özil can’t have enjoyed the last few months. The midfielder was part of Germany’s doomed World Cup squad, and then a ferocious row broke out surrounding his meeting with autocratic Turkish president Recep Erdogan which led to him quitting the national team.
Hoping he may find refuge in club football with Arsenal, the 29-year-old has endured a tough start to life under new manager Unai Emery.
With the new boss demanding a high amount of defensive effort from every player on the pitch, it should come as little surprise to Gunners fans that Özil may have trouble with fulfilling Emery’s wishes.
Known for his docile contributions without the ball, rumours of a rift between the play-maker and his manager were circulating.
Missing from the match-day squad for Arsenal’s 3-1 victory against West Ham on Saturday, Emery reiterated the fact that it was an entirely permissible absence.
Quoted by Football London, Emery again repeated the line that Özil was simply battling illness.
When asked if the former Real Madrid man had been excluded due to his efforts, the Spaniard said:
It isn’t true, that information,
I don’t know who started telling you or telling us this information. If you ask me, the doctor, or the club.
He was sick on Friday. He spoke to the doctor and with me and decided not to play. He left training because he was going home because he was sick.
I said come [to the West Ham game] if you feel better and he felt better. Before the match he was with the team and with me.
There is no problem with the player. This isn’t true this information. Ask the doctor, he can explain better. It’s very simple.
Starting Aaron Ramsey in the attacking midfield position against West Ham, the North Londoners did seem a more intense unit when chasing the ball.
However, it appears as though all is well with Özil and Emery – for now.
